Optical Remote Data Concentrator for EMI-Free Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional remote sensing systems face challenges in volatile environments due to the need for electrical interfaces, which can generate electromagnetic interference (EMI) and are prone to faults, making them undesirable in applications like military settings where detection avoidance is crucial.
Innovation Solution
An optical remote data concentrator system that uses optical interfaces to transmit power and data between a host and remote sensors via optical links, eliminating the need for electrical connections and thus reducing EMI and fault risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical interfaces are used to connect remote sensors to the host, then power and data transmission can be achieved, but electromagnetic interference is generated and detection risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical interfaces with optical interfaces. Specifically, electrical signals and power are converted to optical signals for transmission through optical fibers. This substitution eliminates electromagnetic interference generation while maintaining reliable power and data transmission capabilities, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and harmful EMI emission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical fibers as an intermediary medium between the host and remote sensors. The optical fiber acts as a mediator that transmits power and data without generating electromagnetic interference. The optical interface converts electrical signals to optical signals for transmission, and back to electrical signals at the receiving end, thereby eliminating the direct electrical connection that causes EMI.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If optical interfaces are used to transmit power and data, then electromagnetic interference is eliminated, but conversion and conditioning circuits are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the optical interface unit. The optical interface not only converts optical signals to electrical signals but also conditions power, receives sensor data, and transmits it back optically. By combining these functions in a single integrated unit, the overall system complexity is reduced despite the addition of conversion circuits.
3Ease of operation
If traditional copper wires are used for electrical connections, then installation is straightforward, but intrinsic safety cannot be ensured in volatile environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces copper wire electrical connections with optical fiber connections. Optical fibers do not conduct electricity, eliminating the risk of electrical sparks in volatile environments like fuel systems. This substitution maintains ease of installation through standardized optical connectors while dramatically improving intrinsic safety by removing the electrical hazard entirely.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The optical interface system enables reliable and interference-free data transmission over long distances, enhancing the safety and stealth of remote sensing systems in volatile environments by using optical fiber cables to transmit both power and data without generating electromagnetic interference.
Implementation Method 1
The front end interface is configured to receive optical energy as input and provide optical data as output to the optical link
Implementation Method 2
The first interface is further configured to provide the sensed data optically to the optical link
Data Source
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AI summary
A remote data concentrator includes a front end interface, a plurality of back end interfaces and a control circuit (32). The front end interface is configured to receive optical energy as input and provide optical data as output to an optical link. The plurality of back end interfaces are configured to connect to a plurality of sensors. Each of the plurality of back end interfaces are configured to provide sensor power to the plurality of sensors and receive sensor data from the plurality of sensors. The control circuit is configured to provide power from the front end interface to the plurality of back end interfaces and to provide the sensor data from the plurality of back end interfaces to the front end interface.